Flogging Molly - Irish American News

Destination Ireland
Unforgettable Dromoland Castle in the Heart of Western Ireland
No one does castles like Ireland,
and Dromoland Castle in County
Clare is one of finest you can visit.
Dromoland Castle was the ancestral
home of the O’Briens, Barons
of Inchiquin, one of the few
native Gaelic families of
royal blood. Originally a
defensive stronghold, the
structure was rebuilt in the
sixteenth century and again
in the early nineteenth century.
The castle underwent
major renovations in 1963,
and brilliantly integrated
the Moriarty Wing which
was added in 1998.
Located in Newmarketon-Fergus,
County Clare,
Dromoland Castle was
built in the 16th century
on the shores of Lough
Dromoland and is surrounded
by over 410 acres
of breathtaking scenery including a
championship parkland golf course.
Lavish interiors, fine food and superb
wines complement the deluxe
accommodations of the Castle’s 99
guest room.
In honor of this rich history and to
the delight of its guests, Dromoland
Europe offers no more spectacular a
setting for a marriage proposal than
Dromoland Castle or Dromoland’s
5-star sister company, Castlemartyr
Resort (see contact info at end of
article). They offer an “Over the Top”
Marriage Proposal Package. And, if
you are getting married you must
take advantage of their “How Sweet
It Is Wedding Package” offering
their superlative accommodations,
gourmet cuisine, elegant estates,
and pristine service, the five star
resorts of The Dromoland Collection
make an exquisite setting for a
honeymoon.
Castlemartyr Resort and Dromoland
Castle offer a four-night “How
Sweet It Is” honeymoon package.
(Guests can spend all four nights at
one resort or to split their stay between
the two if they so choose.)
With amenities too numerous to
mention, see their websites at www.
castlemartyrresort.ie or www.dromoland.ie.
The rate (minimum four night
stay), per person sharing, is €1585.00
from August 18, 2011 to April 30,
2012, and €1340.00 from May 1 to
August 17, 2012 (service charge and
VAT included).
other unforgettable courses. These
include the unique inland linksstyle
experience at Castlemartyr
Resort in Co. Cork, Old Head,
Fota, Kenmare, Ballybunion and
Doonbeg.
Falconry
Here is a rare opportunity to
experience live birds of prey on
an introductory “Hawk Walk”.
Instructors share their knowledge
of the natural history of raptors,
the role they play in the ecosystem,
and the environmental threats
they face, as well as the basics of
the ancient sport of falconry. A
bonus: the walk incorporates a
visit to Mooghaun Hillfort, the
largest in the land, dating to 1260-
930 B.C.
Fishing
Fishing can be arranged on
scenic Lake Dromoland, wellstocked
with trout, perch, and
more. You may fish from the
Archery
The classic castle pursuit of archery
is a fine complement to a hawk
walk. Professional instructors are
available to provide basic lessons or
tips to accomplished archers.
Walking and Jogging
With over 410 acres of idyllic
mature woods and lakes, Dromoland
has a number of pathways offering
varied and interesting routes.
Wildlife on the estate includes native
red deer, pheasant, partridge,
and many other country fauna.
Cycling
The Castle offers mountain
bikes on a complimentary basis
for guests who wish to cruise
along the many laneways and
byways of the estate.
Tennis
Tennis is a princely pursuit,
so the castle has provided two
all-weather outdoor tennis courts
for guests’ enjoyment.
Pony and Trap
Guests of all ages will enjoy an
Conference facilities and private
dining rooms can accommodate a
maximum of 450 people.
Fitness and
Spa Facilities
Facilities include an indoor
swimming pool, sauna, steam
room, Jacuzzi, and fully-equipped
gymnasium. Located within
the Castle proper is The Spa at
Dromoland, a haven of
calm and tranquility
exactingly designed to
provide the ultimate spa
experience. To enjoy
the best of both worlds,
indoor and out, guests
need only venture a few
feet to enjoy the al fresco
hydro spa; sheltered by a
gazebo and ornamental
courtyard, it is available
for use year-round.
Dromoland Castle is
located at Newmarketon-Fergus,
Co. Clare,
Ireland. The hotel can
be contacted at 011 353
61 368144 or 1-800-346-7007;
website www.dromoland.ie. Reservations
can be made through
the hotel (sales@dromoland.ie);
through The Dromoland Collection
at www.dromolandcollection.ie;
or through Preferred Hotels
& Resort at 1.800.323.7500
or www.preferredhotels.com.
The Dromoland Collection
comprises Dromoland Castle
and Castlemartyr Resort, two
of Ireland’s finest and most celebrated
hotels. The hotels in this
collection embody the legendary
Dromoland tradition of incomparable
hospitality complemented
by exquisite surroundings, yet
each possesses a distinctive style,
character and charm all its own.
Castle continues the royal tradition
with a host of classic Irish country
pursuits. Suitable for couples,
families, and groups, the young and
the young at heart, the athletic and
less-so visitor, the entertainments
of Dromoland Castle are unique
and varied.
Here are some of the pleasures
that await you:
WEDDING? Proposal?
Thinking of proposing marriage?
Golf and Academy
The castle grounds host an 18-
hole championship golf course with
breathtaking views of the castle
and its surroundings. The affiliated
Golf Academy is one of the best in
Ireland, including 10 automated
driving bays, putting greens, and
a bunker. There is also a rivetedface-links-style
bunker, modeled
on the famous “Road Hole” bunker
on the 17th at St. Andrews.
With features too numerous to
mention here, check out the course
in the hole-by-hole tour available at
www.dromolandgolf.com.
Golfers seeking to explore more
of western Ireland’s playing challenges
will find Dromoland Castle
the perfect home base for outings to
banks or one of the estate boats.
Expert assistance from the estate’s
ghillies is available by prior
arrangement.
Clay Shooting
The estate has a dedicated
shooting range. Lessons can be
arranged for those who have not
yet experienced this precision
sport shooting challenge.
informative 30-minute ride with
Sean in the estate’s pony and trap
learning about the history of the
castle and estate.
Conference facilities
The 12,000 square foot Brian
Boru Centre, with its graceful
Gothic architecture, extends the
elegance of Dromoland Castle
to functions of almost any sort.
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus,
County Clare,
Ireland
011 353 (0)61 368 144 - 800
346 7007 - www.dromoland.
ie - sales@dromoland.ie
Castlemartyr Resort - Castlemartyr,
County Cork, Ireland
011 353 (0)21 421 9000 -
www.castlemartyrresort.ie - reception@castlemartyrresort.ie